Guild Hall management hope to add even more stars but the new programme – due out in weeks – already boasts more than 50 shows and attractions from September to December.

They range from the traditional and familiar, to the outrageous and exotic – including a first appearance in the city by the Lady Boys of Bangkok, the glamorous transvestite cabaret that has already sold out numerous appearances in Manchester in recent years.

Other showbiz exotica includes The Aluminum Show – on its first tour of the UK – for two nights in September.

Its cast of dancers, acrobats and athletes combine movement, puppetry and special effects to create a fantasy where worms slither across the stage, huge pillows float cloudlike through the air, a giant stalks the auditorium and two pipes tenderly woo each other...

Le Grand Cirque, appearing for a week in mid-October, is another international spectacular, hailing from Canada, the home of Cirque du Soleil.

It's human circus on a grand scale, with some 50 artistes taking part.

American-based comic John Pinette opens the season on September 6 with a highly-anticipated appearance in the Guild Hall's foyer bar, now increasingly used as an intimate venue for such acts.

Folk legend Dave Swarbrick uses the same location for a one-night show in October.

Scots comic Frankie Boyle, a regular on TV's Mock the Week, chooses the Grand Hall for his city debut in October.

Other attractions in the main venue include the Eva Cassidy Story, Russian Classical Ballet, Singalonga Abba, The Nat King Cole Story, Circus of Horrors, The Commitments, comedian John Shuttleworth and glam rock survivor Alvin Stardust.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is also booked in for another full season of monthly concerts.

Musicals and shows coming to the Charter Theatre venue include the long-awaited Buddy, the life story of rock 'n' roller Buddy Holly; little orphan Annie; and First World War satire Oh What a Lovely War.

The eXtra Factor, on for three nights in October, is a comedy musical about reality shows where the ultimate winner will be decided by the audience!

Kevin Kennedy (Curly Watts of Coronation Street) teams up with Antony Costa (Blue, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here), Kelle Bryan (Eternal), Anthony Kavanagh (chart topper and Grease is the Word), Russ Spencer (Scooch and the West End's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) Jennifer Biddall (Hollyoaks) and Suzanne Carley (Blood Brothers and Grease).

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